Ribera del Duero Wine Escape from Madrid Curated Tastings

We’ll meet at Plaza de Castilla in Madrid (unless you arrange pickup in advance), where I’ll greet you, do a quick roll call, and get everyone settled into our comfortable, air-conditioned transport. Once we’re on the road, I’ll walk you through the day’s plan—timing, stops, and what to expect at each bodega—so you can relax and just enjoy the ride.

Leaving Madrid, we’ll head north and watch the city fade into wide Castilian plains—an easy, comfortable drive of roughly 2 hours into wine country. Ribera del Duero stretches along the Duero River through a landscape dotted with medieval villages, castles, churches, and monasteries—the very institutions that helped expand wine-making here in the Middle Ages. Today it’s one of Spain’s most celebrated red-wine regions blending deep history with modern winemaking.

At our next stop, you’ll dive into a classic Ribera del Duero experience: a guided walk through the vineyards and a behind-the-scenes look inside the winery, with plenty of context on how the land and climate shape what ends up in your glass. Then we’ll slow it down for a relaxed tasting paired with a light aperitif—easy, social, and unhurried. The visit is typically about 1.5 hours and is available in Spanish and English. Please note that this itinerary is an example only and may be subject to change.

Next we’ll visit a winery famous for its dramatic 16th-century underground wine cellar carved into the hillside. You’ll start by seeing the vineyard next to the winery, then step into the winemaking area before heading down into the historic caves for a relaxed tasting of three wines.Please note that this itinerary is an example only and may be subject to change.

Next we’ll stop for a leisurely lunch in Peñafiel (meal at your own expense)—a classic sit-down break where you can enjoy local food, and soak up the Castilian pace. The town is crowned by the striking Castillo de Peñafiel —a perfect backdrop for a wine-country lunch stop. Please note that this itinerary is an example only and may be subject to change.

After our last stop, we’ll head back to Madrid together in the same private transport, giving everyone a chance to relax on the ride home.